Stock in the Box Category

1934/19: A most unusual, interesting and rare George III WRITING COMPENDIUM in fine original condition. The lower drawer with its brass :Swan-neck" handle, pulls out to open the "tambour" top which reveals the full set of original writing fittings including: pair of ink bottles; sander; two engraved glass seals and pair of candle-holders etc. The top opens to show the baize-lined writing surface, whilst there are two small drawers to the fitted interior and twin brass "Swan-Neck" carrying handles to both sides. An intriguing and useful Writing Compendium (or small desk) of a model we have not seen before. 20ins wide; 12ins deep; 9ins high max. (51 x 30.5 x 23cms) c.1770

1931/19: An excellent quality mid-19th century fitted WRITING BOX by the famous firm of boxmakers, EDWARDS, of London. This finely figured rosewood box is bound in brass with twin recessed carrying to the sides. It opens to reveal the finely fitted interior, with original blind-tooled leather writing surface; brass-inlaid pen tray and pair of original ink bottles with engraved gilded tops. The interior retains its original braid note/letter holders and most of its original paper label. Excellent quality. *Edwards was a highly regarded and renowned company of boxmakers, with Royal Warrants for George IV; William IV and Queen Victoria. The company was bought out by Aspreys in 1859. c.1840

1923/18: A particularly fine quality early 19th century George IV period GENTLEMAN'S DRESSING CASE. The case itself is of finest kingwood, bound in brass and opening to reveal the fully fitted interior with 17 bottles and jars with silver-gilt tops including shaving brush; snuff box; vinaigrette etc, many with fine piercing and with hand engraved Coats-of-Arms. In the drawer to the base is a fitted pad with tools and implements, whilst in the lid is the original mahogany easel mirror. Complete with two original working keys. *This very fine box is "temptingly" priced, as one bottle is cracked. The full price includes a replacement (3 months!) c.1828

1889/18: An impressive and most unusual late 19th century DOMESTIC POSTBOX ideal perhaps for a hotel foyer. Constructed of solid mahogany with an aperture to the sloping top for letters, it features an interesting marquetry panelled front door depicting a scene of a farmhouse within a rural setting of trees etc., very much in the Art Nouveau style of Galle. This door opens to reveal a shelved interior and it is set on a double plinth base. 42ins (107cms) high. c.1900

1836/18: A good quality hallmarked SILVER CARD CASE in particularly good condition, probably because it retains its original leather covered and velvet-lined protection case. Beautifully engraved front and back, and with a vacant shield-shaped cartouche to the front, it is hallmarked for Birmingham 1902. c.1902

1812/18: A pretty early Victorian solid silver SNUFF BOX in fine original crisp condition. Decorated with engine turning and reeding with a cast flower border, it opens to reveal its good fire-gilded gold interior and with hallmarks to both lid and base. The lid itself is beautifully engraved with a presentation inscription dated 1841, whilst the silver itself is dated 1840, maker Edward Smith of Birmingham. Pristine condition. 2.75ins wide. c.1840

1800/18: A particularly fine quality mid-Victorian burr walnut LADY'S WRITING BOX in very good original condition. Of glorious 'warm' honey colour it is bound with ornate Gothic mounts, all of which retain their original gilding and it opens to reveal a beautifully fitted interior, with a fine pair of gilt brass topped ink bottles and various compartments for stationery. The original 'royal' purple silk velvet is in exceptional condition.
*This is almost certainly a box by the firm of Betjeman, renown for their very high quality boxes. The late poet laureate, John Betjeman was a descendant. Measurements:15.5 x 10.75 x 5 inches (39.5 x 27 x 12.75cms) c.1865

1724/18: DUCOMMUN GIROD: a good mid- 19th century SWISS MUSIC BOX in perfect working order. The walnut box is inlaid to the lid with marquetry and boxwood stringing, and opens to reveal the movement inside which plays EIGHT pretty tunes beautifully. Both the comb and cylinder are in excellent condition, and it is complete with its original hand-written tune sheet. Signed to the end of the brass crank lever. 19ins wide; 7.5ins deep; 6ins high. (48 x 19 x 15cms) c.1865

1675/18: A fine, rare and impressive early 19th century Gentleman's WRITING & DRESSING BOX in excellent condition. Made using finely figured solid mahogany and beautifully bound in brass, it features an engraved cartouche to the lid and recessed brass handles either side. It opens to reveal a conventional interior with original writing surface and pair of ink bottles. However, when the upper inside lid is opened, there is revealed a fully fitted Dressing Case interior with Old Sheffield Plate lidded bottles and jars and other items, plus additional boxes with sliding lids etc. Below the long removable pen-and-ink section at the back is the reading bar, which allows the box to be used as a reading slope. 20 x 11 x 7ins (51 x 28 x 18cms) c.1825

1571/17: A good quality late 19th century SEWING BOX with a particularly fine and complete collection of beautiful sewing equipment. The box is of coromandel wood, bound with steel strapwork, and the lid opens to reveal a fine display of tools and implements all made of Mother-of-pearl. These include: set of 4 cotton-reels; tape measure; needle cleaner; pair of engraved MOP needle cases and pin cushions; set of 4 MOP winders; MOP thimble; scissors; penknife; wonderful ruler and a number of other items. Slight spotting to the 'royal' purple silk lining, but perfect in every other aspect. 11ins x 8 x 4.5ins. (28 x 20 x 11.5cms) c.1865